Bangkok Stories

"Don't look down and don't let them see you!"

2013-07-23T17:13:00.000+07:00

Several workers taking a breather behind some canvas on a major construction site inside Bangkok. Not to be picky, but safety helmets and harnesses may be good while working at that height! Other than that, the metal scaffolding looks good.

Preparation for the final shoot!

2013-07-19T14:10:00.000+07:00

Film crew and lighting people setting up for another shoot, this time with the partygoers shooting water onto pickups filled with people dressed and prepared for Songkran - but this time in July. A very time-consuming process with plenty of waiting around.

"I'm keeping the birds away"

2013-07-11T15:06:00.000+07:00

Another truck delivering fresh durian and longan to the marketplace. Riding in the back of the pickup is cool too, though. The breeze provides a nice addition to the hot sun!

Durian, anyone?

2013-07-06T18:04:00.000+07:00

Fresh fruit markets along the highway through Rayong! Never have I seen so many trucks filled to overflowing with so much fruit: durian, longan, rambutan, and mangosteen are just several examples. Plenty of fun with drivers stopping by from time to time to pick up bags of fresh fruit to eat along their journey.

"Just hanging out and enjoyin' the trip!"

2013-07-05T17:00:00.000+07:00

Driving along the route to Koh Chang, we spotted this workers hanging out on top of the truck. Don't try this at home, kids! The danger is real. There was considerable traffic along the route - as is the norm around Bangkok - with all manners of cars, trucks, buses, tuk tuks, motorcycles, and small vehicles all making their way along this fast-moving road.

"Mom, this bag goes better with your outfit!"

2013-07-01T23:57:00.000+07:00

Seen on one of the beaches of Koh Chang. The sun was blazing hot but occasionally hiding behind the clouds, such as when this photo was taken. In Asia, the beaches are usually deserted during the day, and the areas under umbrellas and the trees are populated with what could be called "shade-bathers". The Europeans on the other hand can be seen soaking int he sunlight and sunbathing ont he white sand beaches. Bring your sunglasses, and you're ready for the picture-perfect weather!

Stay watchful!

2013-06-26T17:53:00.000+07:00

This water monitor was keeping a wary eye on me, but perhaps not mindful that his "friend" was swimming up behind him. Over the years in Bangkok, I've seen several fights between the huge reptiles, some of them as long tip to tail as I am tall! Somewhat scary, but thankfully these creatures are rather slow on land and so it's easy to outpace them.

"Introducing Tom Turkey!"

2013-06-23T11:51:00.000+07:00

Storytelling in the park. The lady is showing the kids pictures from the book to aid her story. The parents also sit nearby and are watching the kids. Narak mak (very cute)!!

"Yeah, you have to walk in the rain. Look at me! I just stand here."

2013-06-19T20:37:00.000+07:00

The guards around the apartment complexes are real heroes, toughing it out during the typical deluges of the rainy season. Sure, the photo looks a little white and there appear to be bubbles on the pavement, but that's just what the rain looks like when it's pouring and bouncing off the road! A slight wind makes umbrellas rather impractical, too :p. But it IS cooler!

Who said clowns are scary?

2013-06-14T18:41:00.000+07:00

He was definitely polite enough, bowing and waving, but pausing long enough for me to take his photo. Yes, yes, it may be just a mask, but still - would you like to bump into him in a dark alley? Thankfully there were crowds of office people milling about.

Down by the riverside!

2013-06-14T14:37:00.000+07:00

A typical custom-made watercraft found in the waters of the Chao Phraya river. The captain controls the direction of the boat via a long pole with a propeller placed at its end. The deck is very low, but thankfully the other ships passing by only have a small wake. Slow moving for sure, but hey, who's in a hurry?

Dance practice in the park!

2013-06-13T19:36:00.000+07:00

Even the pigeons are joining in! Just kidding. Everyone seemed to be having fun if they were a bit self-conscious. Time to relax after a long day at work. Oh, the rain does dampen things down quite a bit.

The anatomy of photographing something big

2013-06-13T13:14:00.000+07:00

Several guys trying to get a good photo of the Tisco Tower from a BRT bridge in the downtown Sathorn district of Bangkok. Between the high humidity and low-lying clouds diffusing the sunlight, getting a favorable angle seems tricky. Renovation of another tower can be seen in the background.

Double Rainbow in the Sky

2013-06-12T20:29:00.000+07:00

Beautiful setting, and there is literally a double rainbow in the background as two friends toss huge chunks of bread to the ravenous catfish down below. Up for a fishing trip? You've found the place- just remember you'll be competing with the water monitors!

Fresh fruit for sale!

2013-06-12T14:19:00.000+07:00

Waiting for some customers near Villa Ari. In spite of temperatures up to 33C (about 90F), some of the vendors still wear long pants, shirts, and a hat to avoid the tan. It does help with protection from the sun!

My name is Bond, James Bond

2013-06-11T13:16:00.000+07:00

Sabai, sabai (very relaxed) on the edge of the Chao Phraya river. The cool breeze and openness are well-matched by the scent of crab curry and other seafood dishes gently wafting through the air. It's also fun to just sit by the water and watch the boats and other ships traveling up and down the river. Huckleberry Finn? Perhaps! This is the life!

Of Wine and Conversation

2013-06-10T18:09:00.000+07:00

Stopped by this interesting restaurant with great atmosphere and fabulous modern Thai food. As always, these tend to result in the perfect condition for free-flowing and fun conversation! A good location for the second or third date ;-). @General's Son, Soi Lang Suan, Bangkok

The choice is yours!

2013-06-10T13:08:00.000+07:00

But which to choose? The selection can be bewildering along the endless street vendors and shops around the Pratunam market of Bangkok. Clothing, fashion accessories, luggage, shoes - you name it, they've got it. 99 baht paris of shoes - about $3.3 USD - are just some of the bargains. The two little girls didn't seem to be able to choose out of the large number of options available.

It's magic!!

2013-06-09T13:05:00.000+07:00

Magic show at the Chatuchak weekend market - touted as being the world's largest weekend market. Great souvenirs, decorative items, and affordable (ie cheap) clothing to purchase. Stop by for some entertainment, but be ready for crowds and quick shifts in weather: extreme heat or heavy rain.

Relaxation in the midst of a busy downtown

2013-06-07T14:54:00.000+07:00

Chong Nonsi is one of the busiest BTS stations in the city, surrounded by skyscrapers housing many of the international and large national companies of Thailand. Around lunch time and again after work is over, thousands of people walk over the crosswalks between the train station and office towers. Beneath the pathways, and resting on one of the slabs underneath the BTS station pillars was a construction worker, resting in the middle of the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Staring at food can be INTENSE!

2013-06-06T17:47:00.000+07:00

Professional photography for the menu at Dean & Deluca- evidently the work requires several photographers. The food in the meantime looks great, and the scene is unusual, with the interviewing of potential employees, training of new staff, photography for the new menu, and... business meetings for people from companies in the area. Never a dull moment. But I DO wonder why a guy with a MBA degree wants to work in the kitchen.

Sure, I'll fix your motorcycle for you!

2013-06-05T14:17:00.000+07:00

The shop looks a bit like a family business, located off of a busy street in Bangkok. In Thailand, all parts of a motorcycle can be replaced and repaired. To guarantee that all parts of the motorcycle are from the original manufacturer, it must be purchased brand-new from a distributor!

What do you mean 'we're demolishing the wrong roof'?

2013-06-04T16:56:00.000+07:00

Just kidding! The engineer seems to be coordinating with several members of a roof demo crew. In Thailand, manual labor is oftentimes cheaper than machine labor (hence the sledgehammers). The dull thud of the hammers can be heard from far away. Side note: If there is ever construction going on overhead, perhaps it's a good idea to go well around the area. Sometimes light debris can fall down, other times water... which isn't always water!

"Pick a card, any card!"

2013-06-03T22:35:00.000+07:00

Not five minutes before, I had told my friend that this guy looked like an interesting character! After mesmerizing a small group with vanishing tricks that involved small round balls, he moved on to cards. Unfortunately, this kind of entertainment doesn't belong in a BTS station, as pointed out by several guards and the station supervisor who soon broke up the festivities. To be fair, they were firm but friendly!

'Look! I'm about to beat the next level of Temple Run!'

2013-06-03T14:56:00.000+07:00

Seen @ Benjasiri Park